Portraits of Survival: Photographs by David Radler

The idea to photograph Holocaust survivors from the Omaha and Lincoln communities in conjunction with the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of Kristallnacht in 2008 came from the desire to honor those who survived the horrific, life-changing experiences of the Holocaust and found their way to Nebraska following WWII to rebuild their lives in our communities. The exhibit, featuring portraits captured by photographer David Radler, highlights how the survivors endured, survived, and built lasting communities in the Lincoln and Omaha areas. The goal of this project was not to ask the survivors to recall painful memories but to capture each person as they were at the time of the photo session in a peaceful, quiet moment. “Portraits of Survival” is a traveling Holocaust exhibit from the Institute of Holocaust Education in Omaha, NE, featuring a black and white photo gallery of individuals from Nebraska’s Holocaust survivors and military liberator community. Viewers feel as though they are looking into the essence of each of the beloved members of our local community. This exhibit is on display in tandem with the exhibit The True Wartime Escape .  This exhibit is supported by the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Harris Center for Judaic Studies.